2008 Ford Focus vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (114 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 954 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Reliant Bug is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Reliant Bug. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Ford Focus (250 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Focus | Bug |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 121 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 1960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 23 L |
